Abstract

Background. Anaemia is a global problem that can affect the neurodevelopment and behaviour of infants. A study shows that 52% of infants attending well-baby clinics in Saudi Arabia had iron deficiency anaemia, however limited works are done concerning its prevalence and determinants. Thus, this study aims obtain new helpful information towards anaemia among infants by determining its prevalence and determinants at the primary health care centers (PHCCs) in Makkah Al-Makaramah, KSA. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Makkah Al-Mokarramah primary healthcare centers (Al-khaldyah and Al-Ka’akyah) in January, 2018. Infants who visited the well-baby clinic for vaccination/routine follow-up were selected through convenience sampling technique. A questionnaire filled out by the researcher through an interview with the mother of infants was utilized for data collection. Results. The prevalence of anaemia among 99 infants was found to be 25.3%. Factors significantly associated with anaemia were determined as maternal educational level, job status, absence of post-partum maternity leave, increasing birth order, fetal history of chronic/acute diseases and hospital admission, congenital and parental haemoglobinopathies, later age of weaning, introducing solid/semisolid foods after age of 9 months, <3% weight growth, exclusive breast feeding (first 6 months), caesarean section, maternal post-partum anaemia, health problems and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA), family history of IDA, attending AlKaakyah PHCC, more number of children (≤5 years), parental smoking, infant food type, infant food not prepared by mothers and irregular intake of essential vaccines. Conclusion. Anaemia is a common problem among infants aged one year in Makkah Al-Mokarramah as it affects almost one-quarter of them. Several predictors for anaemiahave been identified in relation to infants, mothers, nutrition and social aspects. Overall, the results may enhance the anaemia-related knowledge among infants and help the authorities to execute a more effective public health interventions in both regional and nation levels.